A recent study conducted by the Hong Kong Christian Service (HKCS) has revealed a significant gap in the usage of mainstream elderly services by ethnic minority communities in Hong Kong. The survey, which interviewed 200 South and Southeast Asian elders aged 60 and above as well as 50 of their caregivers, paints a concerning picture of the barriers these communities face in accessing necessary support.
According to the findings, over half (54.1%) of the ethnic minority caregivers rated their confidence in mainstream elderly services at a mere 1 to 5 out of 10. Even more alarming, a staggering 87.6% of ethnic minority elders and caregivers have never utilized mainstream elderly center services. Among those who did, nearly a third reported that language barriers significantly hindered their experience.
The need for long-term care services is urgent, with 50% of caregivers rating the dependency level of their elderly charges between 8 to 10 on a scale where 10 denotes maximum dependency. Caregivers also highlighted a critical demand for services such as escort assistance, elderly sitting, and household cleaning.
Viola Tsang, Service Head of Active Ageing & Community Care at HKCS, pointed out the crucial disconnect caused by language and cultural differences. "Nearly 90% of the surveyed elderly have not undergone the Standardized Care Need Assessment Mechanism for Elderly Services, primarily because the assessment tools are available only in Chinese," Tsang noted. This exclusion from mainstream services results in a lower usage rate compared to the local population.
In response to these challenges, HKCS initiated the 'Support to Ethnic Elderly Project' in 2016, funded by the Community Chest. The project aims to bridge the gap by providing outreach, social, and recreational activities, as well as mutual support services. It also helps elders apply for or connect to mainstream services, such as the Senior Citizen Card and medical appointments. Since its inception, the project has served nearly 1,000 people, with 77.5% of ethnic minority elders and 82.0% of caregivers finding it helpful in integrating them into mainstream society.
Peggy Lau, Project Leader, described the specific needs of ethnic minority elders that require special arrangements, including service understanding, dietary requirements, and gender-specific interactions. "Frontline staff in mainstream services often lack the resources and knowledge to adequately address these needs," Lau explained, highlighting the importance of bridging services.
The survey results underscore the urgent need for a more inclusive and accessible elderly service system in Hong Kong, one that addresses the unique challenges faced by ethnic minority communities. With the 'Support to Ethnic Elderly Project' serving as a model, stakeholders and policymakers must work together to ensure that no one is left behind in the city's pursuit of caring for its aging population.
根據最新調查,87.6%的少數族裔長者和照顧者從未使用主流長者服務
一項由香港基督教服務處(HKCS)進行的最新調查顯示,香港少數族裔社區使用主流長者服務存在嚴重差距。該調查訪問了200名60歲及以上的南亞和東南亞長者以及50名照顧者,揭示了這些社區在獲取必要支援服務方面所面臨的障礙。
調查發現,過半數(54.1%)少數族裔照顧者的對主流長者服務的信心只有1到5分(滿分10分)。更令人擔憂的是,高達87.6%的少數族裔長者和照顧者從未使用過主流長者中心的服務。在使用過的人中,近三分之一表示語言障礙嚴重影響了他們的體驗。
長期護理服務的需求迫切,50%的照顧者將被照顧長者的依賴程度評為8至10分(滿分10分)。照顧者還強調,他們迫切需要諸如陪同服務、長者照料和家務清潔等服務。
HKCS活躍老齡化及社區關懷服務主管曾雪凡指出,由於語言和文化差異造成了關鍵的脫節。"近90%的受訪長者未曾進行安老服務的標準照顧需要評估,主要是因為評估工具只有中文版本。"曾女士表示,這種被排除在主流服務之外的情況導致使用率低於本地人口。
為應對這些挑戰,HKCS於2016年啟動了"少數族裔長者支援計劃",獲得公益金的資助。該計劃旨在提供外展、社交、康樂活動以及互助服務,幫助長者申請或連接到主流服務,如長者咭和醫療預約。自計劃推出以來,已服務近1,000人,77.5%的少數族裔長者和82%的照顧者認為這有助於融入主流社會。
項目負責人劉佩琪表示,少數族裔長者有特殊需求,需要特別安排,包括服務理解、飲食要求和性別互動。"主流服務的前線員工通常缺乏資源和知識來adequately滿足這些需求,"劉女士解釋道,強調了服務銜接的重要性。
調查結果凸顯了香港需要建立一個更加包容和可及的長者服務系統的迫切需求,以解決少數族裔社區面臨的獨特挑戰。以"少數族裔長者支援計劃"為模式,持份者和決策者必須共同努力,確保香港照顧老齡人口的過程中,沒有任何人被遺落在外。
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